STATUTES OF NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL INCORPORATED
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CONTENTS
1
Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................5
2
Name, headquarters, legal form ................................................................................................................8
3
Objectives ...................................................................................................................................................9
4
Restrictions on powers ...............................................................................................................................9
5
Neutrality and non-discrimination ...........................................................................................................10
6
Promoting friendly relations ....................................................................................................................10
7
Players ......................................................................................................................................................11
8
Laws of the Game .....................................................................................................................................11
9
Conduct of bodies and Officials................................................................................................................11
10 Official languages .....................................................................................................................................11
11 Admission, suspension and expulsion ......................................................................................................11
12 Admission .................................................................................................................................................11
13 Request and procedure for application ...................................................................................................13
14 Members’ rights .......................................................................................................................................13
15 Members’ obligations...............................................................................................................................13
16 Suspension................................................................................................................................................14
17 Expulsion ..................................................................................................................................................15
18 Resignation ...............................................................................................................................................15
19 Exceptions to suspensions, expulsions and resignations .........................................................................15
20 Independence of Members and their bodies ...........................................................................................15
21 Status of Regional Associations, Leagues otherwise or other groups .....................................................16
22 Honorary president and life members .....................................................................................................16
23 Bodies (of NZF) .........................................................................................................................................16
24 Definition and composition of the Congress ............................................................................................17
25 Delegates and votes .................................................................................................................................17
26 Areas of authority.....................................................................................................................................18
27 Quorum of the Congress ..........................................................................................................................19
28 Decisions of the Congress ........................................................................................................................19
29 Elections ...................................................................................................................................................19
30 Ordinary Congress ....................................................................................................................................19
31 Ordinary Congress agenda .......................................................................................................................20
32 Extraordinary Congress ............................................................................................................................21
33 Amendments to these Statutes and the Standing Orders of the Congress .............................................21
34 Minutes ....................................................................................................................................................22
35 Effective dates of decisions ......................................................................................................................22
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36 Composition .............................................................................................................................................22
37 Meetings ...................................................................................................................................................24
38 Powers of the Executive Committee ........................................................................................................24
39 Decisions...................................................................................................................................................25
40 Dismissal of a person or body ..................................................................................................................26
41 President ..................................................................................................................................................26
42 Candidates for the office of President .....................................................................................................27
43 Common seal ............................................................................................................................................27
44 Standing Committees ...............................................................................................................................27
45 Finance Committee ..................................................................................................................................28
46 Audit and Compliance Committee ...........................................................................................................28
47 Referees’ Committee................................................................................................................................29
48 Women’s Football Committee .................................................................................................................29
49 Players’ Status Committee .......................................................................................................................29
50 High Performance Committee..................................................................................................................29
51 Ad-hoc committees ..................................................................................................................................29
52 Club Licensing Body ..................................................................................................................................29
53 Electoral Committee.................................................................................................................................29
54 General Secretary .....................................................................................................................................30
55 Judicial bodies ..........................................................................................................................................30
56 Disciplinary Committee ............................................................................................................................31
57 Ethics Committee .....................................................................................................................................31
58 Appeal Committee....................................................................................................................................31
59 Disciplinary measures...............................................................................................................................32
60 Arbitration ................................................................................................................................................33
61 Jurisdiction ...............................................................................................................................................33
62 Court of Arbitration for Sport ...................................................................................................................33
63 Financial period ........................................................................................................................................33
64 Revenue ....................................................................................................................................................34
65 Expenses ...................................................................................................................................................34
66 Independent and external auditors .........................................................................................................34
67 Membership and affiliation subscriptions................................................................................................34
68 Settlement ................................................................................................................................................34
69 Levies ........................................................................................................................................................35
70 Competitions ............................................................................................................................................35
71 Club licensing ............................................................................................................................................35
72 Rights ........................................................................................................................................................35
73 Authorisation ............................................................................................................................................36
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74 International matches and competitions .................................................................................................36
75 Contacts ....................................................................................................................................................36
76 Approval ...................................................................................................................................................36
77 Enforcement .............................................................................................................................................36
78 Winding Up ...............................................................................................................................................36
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1
Definitions
1.1
The terms given below denote the following:
1.1.1
Affiliated Member means those Affiliated Members contemplated under Statute 12.3 and
set out at Schedule Two.
1.1.2
Associated Stakeholder means any associated stakeholder in football which in NZF’s
discretion is a clear and identifiable national stakeholder group provided any such
associated stakeholder has been admitted as a Voting Member pursuant to Statutes 12 and
13, and continues to be a Voting Member. Any such associated stakeholder may include
groups representing referees, secondary schools, coaches, women, futsal, fans or any other
associated stakeholder satisfying the provisions of this Statute 1.1.2.
1.1.3
Association means a football Association recognised by and a member of FIFA.
1.1.4
Association Football means the game controlled by FIFA and organised in accordance with
the Laws of the Game by NZF in New Zealand.
1.1.5
CAS (TAS) means Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne (Switzerland).
1.1.6
Club means an Affiliated Member club of NZF or of a League recognised by NZF that enters
at least one team in a competition.
1.1.7
Club Licensing Body means the club licensing body established and operated by NZF in
accordance with FIFA requirements.
1.1.8
Confederation means a group of Associations recognised by FIFA and belonging to the
same continent (or similar geographical area).
1.1.9
Congress means the supreme and legislative body of NZF.
1.1.10 Credentials Committee means the credentials committee to perform the functions as set
out under these Statutes and the relevant Regulations Governing the Application of the
Statutes, and to comprise the honorary president, a lawyer nominated by NZF and one
other independent party, each duly elected (or bestowed in the case of the honorary
president) by Congress as set out under the Statutes.
1.1.11 Election Appeal Committee means the election appeal committee established and
operated by NZF from time to time in accordance with the Electoral Code.
1.1.12 Electoral Code means the electoral code developed and promulgated by NZF from time to
time in accordance with FIFA requirements.
1.1.13 Electoral Committee means the electoral committee established and operated by NZF in
accordance with FIFA requirements.
1.1.14 Executive Committee means the executive committee of NZF, elected as set out under
these Statutes from time to time.
1.1.15 FIFA means Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
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1.1.16 FIFA Statutes means the statutes and regulations of FIFA applicable from time to time.
1.1.17 General Secretary means the person employed or otherwise contracted by NZF as its
general secretary from time to time.
1.1.18 honorary president means an honorary president of NZF bestowed of that title under
Statute 22 from time to time.
1.1.19 IFAB means the International Football Association Board.
1.1.20 Institute of Directors means the Institute of Directors in New Zealand Incorporated,
incorporation number 411585, being an organisation that supports, represents and sets
standards for company directors in New Zealand.
1.1.21 League means an organisation subordinate to NZF.
1.1.22 Member means Voting Members and Affiliated Members.
1.1.23 National League Licensee means an organisation that is a party to a licence agreement
with NZF that is current to field a team in what NZF determines in its discretion is its
principal national league competition for men and/or women and/or youth from time to
time.
1.1.24 National League Licensee Group means at any time the organisation recognised by NZF at
its discretion as being the organisation representing the National League Licensees for the
purposes of being a Voting Member at any Congress provided that organisation has been
admitted as a Voting Member pursuant to Statutes 12 and 13, and continues to be a Voting
Member.
1.1.25 Nominations Panel means the nominations panel to perform the functions as set out
under these Statutes and the relevant Regulations Governing the Application of the
Statutes, and to comprise three persons, being the honorary president, one representative
of the Regional Associations and one representative of the other two Voting Member
groups set out under Statute 1.1.42 (being professional/elite football (represented by the
National League Licensee Group, the Professional Club Group and NZPFA) and associated
stakeholders (represented by Associated Stakeholders)), each duly elected (or bestowed in
the case of the honorary president) by Congress as set out under these Statutes.
1.1.26 NZF means New Zealand Football Incorporated, incorporation number 215518, being an
Association.
1.1.27 NZPFA means New Zealand Professional Footballers’ Association Incorporated,
incorporation number 1351196, provided it has been admitted as a Voting Member
pursuant to Statutes 12 and 13, and continues to be a Voting Member.
1.1.28 OFC means Oceania Football Confederation.
1.1.29 Official means every board member, committee member, referee and assistant referee,
coach, trainer and any other person (except Players) responsible for technical, medical and
administrative matters in FIFA, a Confederation, an Association, League or Club as well as
other persons obliged to comply with the FIFA Statutes.
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1.1.30 Ordinary Courts means New Zealand courts which hear public and private legal disputes.
1.1.31 Player means a football player registered with NZF.
1.1.32 President means the president of the Executive Committee from time to time.
1.1.33 Professional Club means a club recognised by NZF in its discretion as a professional club,
which may include a club with a team participating in the Australian Football Federation’s
professional league, currently known as the A-League.
1.1.34 Professional Club Group means at any time where there is only one Professional Club that
Professional Club provided it has been admitted as a Voting Member pursuant to Statutes
12 and 13, and continues to be a Voting Member, and where at any time there is more
than one Professional Club the organisation recognised by NZF in its discretion as being the
organisation representing the Professional Clubs for the purposes of being a Voting
Member at any Congress provided that organisation has been admitted as a Voting
Member pursuant to Statutes 12 and 13, and continues to be a Voting Member. In the
event that there is more than one Professional Club, any individual Professional Club which
has been a Voting Member prior to that shall be deemed to be no longer a Professional
Club Group and the organisation referred to above shall be allocated the votes previously
held by that individual Professional Club.
1.1.35 Regional Association means an organisation subordinate to NZF, being, subject to Statute
19.1, each of the seven district federations duly established as branches of NZF as the term
“Branch” is defined under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
1.1.36 Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes means the regulations promulgated
by the Executive Committee related to governing the application of these Statutes, or
Association Football in or related to New Zealand football otherwise from time to time.
1.1.37 Search Panel means the search panel to perform the functions as set out under these
Statutes and the relevant Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, and to
comprise the honorary president, a representative of the Executive Committee and a
member of the Institute of Directors, each duly elected (or bestowed in the case of the
honorary president) by Congress as set out under these Statutes.
1.1.38 Sports Tribunal NZ means the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand, being an independent body
which decides certain types of disputes for the sports sector in New Zealand, and shall hear
appeals of decisions taken by NZF which are final as contemplated by FIFA circular nr. 1010
or its successor, established in 2003 by the Board of government organisation Sport and
Recreation New Zealand (formerly known as SPARC, now known as Sport New Zealand).
1.1.39 Statutes means these statutes of NZF, including any schedules and other annexures to
these statutes.
1.1.40 Total Voting Strength means:
a
in respect of any matter voted on at a Congress, the total number of votes
allocated at that time to Voting Members validly represented at the relevant
Congress; and
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b
in respect of any relevant matter not being a vote at a Congress, the total number
of votes allocated at that time to Voting Members.
1.1.41 Transitional Provisions means the Transitional Provisions adopted at the Congress at
Auckland on 28 September 2014 to come into force immediately upon completion of that
Congress and which are deemed collateral to these Statutes, and which detail certain
transitional provisions of NZF moving operationally to these Statutes adopted as set out
under Statute 77.1, from those that applied immediately preceding that adoption. Should
the provisions of these Statutes conflict with the provisions of the Transitional Provisions,
the provisions of the Transitional Provisions shall prevail.
1.1.42 vice President means the vice president of the Executive Committee from time to time.
1.1.43 Voting Member means:
a
each Regional Association;
b
the National League Licensee Group;
c
the Professional Club Group;
d
NZPFA; and
e
any Associated Stakeholder.
1.1.44 NB: Except where the context otherwise requires, references to natural persons include
both genders. The singular case applies to the plural and vice-versa. Any initially capitalised
expression which is not defined in these Statutes, but which corresponds to a defined
expression in the FIFA Statutes shall have the same meaning as is given to that expression
in the FIFA Statutes, construed to be applicable in the context of these Statutes. A
reference to “includes” or “including” means includes, without limitation or including,
without limitation respectively. A reference to a statute of law of New Zealand includes
that statute as amended from time to time and any regulations, orders in council and other
instruments issued or made under that statute from time to time and legislation passed in
substitution for the statute.
2
Name, headquarters, legal form
2.1
NZF is a private organisation, being a society duly incorporated in New Zealand under section 4 of
the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
2.2
The headquarters of NZF are in Auckland, New Zealand.
2.3
NZF is a member of FIFA and of OFC.
2.4
The logo of NZF is as set out at Schedule One.
2.5
The abbreviation of NZF is “NZF”.
2.6
The logo and abbreviation are legally registered with the Intellectual Property Office of New
Zealand.
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3
Objectives
3.1
The objectives of NZF are:
3.1.1
to improve the game of football constantly and promote, regulate and control it
throughout New Zealand in the light of fair play and its unifying, educational, cultural and
humanitarian values, particularly through youth and development programmes;
3.1.2
to organise competitions in Association Football in all its forms at a national level, by
defining precisely, as required, the areas of direct authority of NZF and where conceded to
the various Regional Associations or Leagues otherwise;
3.1.3
to ensure the Executive Committee draws up Regulations Governing the Application of the
Statutes and provisions and ensures their enforcement;
3.1.4
to protect the interests of its Members;
3.1.5
to respect and prevent any infringement of the FIFA Statutes, directives and decisions, and
of OFC statutes, regulations, directions and decisions, and of these Statutes, Regulations
Governing the Application of the Statutes, directives and decisions of NZF, as well as the
Laws of the Game and to ensure that these are also respected by its Members;
3.1.6
to promote integrity, ethics and fair play with a view to preventing all methods or practices,
such as corruption, doping or match manipulation, which might jeopardise the integrity of
matches, competitions, Players, Officials and Members or give rise to abuse of Association
Football;
3.1.7
to control and supervise all friendly football matches of all forms that NZF has authority
over played throughout New Zealand;
3.1.8
to control and supervise Association Football at a national level and to control and
supervise all forms of international football matches played throughout New Zealand, in
accordance with the relevant FIFA Statutes, and the relevant OFC statutes and regulations;
3.1.9
to manage international sporting relations connected with Association Football in all its
forms;
3.1.10 to host competitions at international and other levels;
3.1.11 to foster cooperation and encourage friendly relations between Clubs, Regional
Associations and Leagues otherwise, Players, Officials and Members;
3.1.12 to act as the controlling authority for football in New Zealand;
3.1.13 to do all such things that are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above
objectives.
4
Restrictions on powers
4.1
NZF shall not and nothing expressed or implied in these Statutes shall permit the activities of NZF to
be carried on for the personal pecuniary profit of any Executive Committee member, Official or
executive of NZF or associated person of such person, nor shall any distribution, whether by way of
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money, property or otherwise be made to any such Executive Committee member, Official,
executive or associated person except where the income benefit or advantage is derived from:
4.1.1
services provided to NZF rendered in the course of business and charged at no greater than
current market rates; or
4.1.2
interest on money lent at no greater than current market rates.
4.2
For the purposes of Statute 4.1, such Executive Committee member, Official, executive or
associated person shall be deemed to derive a personal pecuniary profit in the following
circumstances: if money, property or assets are lent or leased to such person at less than current
commercial rates having regard to the nature and terms of the transaction.
4.3
For the purposes of Statutes 4.2 and 39.6, such Executive Committee member, Official, executive or
associated person shall be deemed to have a personal pecuniary interest in a transaction of the
type referred to where that person:
4.3.1
is a shareholder or director of any company which is party to the transaction; or
4.3.2
is a settlor or trustee of a trust or a shareholder of any company which is party to such a
transaction.
4.4
For the purposes of this Statutes 4 and 39.6 the meaning of the term “associated person” is as that
term is defined in the Income Tax Act 2007.
4.5
The provisions and effect of this Statute 4 shall not be removed from these Statutes, and shall be
included and implied into any document replacing these Statutes.
5
Neutrality and non-discrimination
5.1
NZF is neutral in matters of politics and religion.
5.2
Discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account of race,
skin colour, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any
other opinion, wealth, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason is strictly
prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.
6
Promoting friendly relations
6.1
NZF shall promote friendly relations between its Members, Clubs, Officials and Players and in
society for humanitarian objectives.
6.2
Every person and organisation involved in the game of football is obliged to observe these Statutes
and the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, and the principles of fair play as well
as the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.
6.3
NZF shall provide the necessary institutional means to resolve any internal dispute that may arise
between Members, Clubs, Officials and Players of NZF.
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7
Players
7.1
The status of Players and the provisions for their transfer shall be regulated by the Executive
Committee in accordance with the current FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players.
7.2
Players shall be registered in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Application of the
Statutes.
8
Laws of the Game
8.1
NZF and each of its Members play Association Football in compliance with the Laws of the Game
issued by IFAB. Only IFAB may lay down and alter the Laws of the Game.
8.2
NZF and each of its Members play futsal in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game. NZF and
each of its Members may in the future play beach soccer and, if that occurs, play will be in
accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. Only FIFA may lay down and alter the Futsal
Laws of the Game and the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
9
Conduct of bodies and Officials
9.1
The bodies and Officials of NZF must observe the Statutes, directives, decisions and the Code of
Ethics and the rules and regulations of FIFA, OFC and NZF in their activities.
10
Official languages
10.1
The official languages of NZF shall be English and Te Reo. Official documents and texts shall be
written in English and English shall be the primary language of communication with Members. In
the event of any divergence between the interpretation of texts in different languages, the text
written in English, shall be regarded as authoritative.
10.2
The official language at the Congress shall be English.
11
Admission, suspension and expulsion
11.1
The Congress shall decide whether to admit (subject to Statute 12.3), suspend or expel (subject to
Statute 19) a Voting Member.
11.2
Admission may be granted if the applicant fulfils the requirements of NZF.
11.3
Membership is terminated by resignation or expulsion. Loss of membership does not relieve the
Voting Member from its financial obligations towards NZF or other Members of NZF, but leads to
cancellation of all rights in relation to NZF.
12
Admission
12.1
Any person wishing to become a Voting Member (including the National League Licensing Group,
the Professional Club Group, NZPFA and any Associated Stakeholder), shall apply in writing to the
General Secretary with the accompaniments set out under Statute 12.2. For certainty, the General
Secretary must then bring such application to the attention of the Credentials Committee, and the
Credentials Committee is entitled in its discretion to disregard such application in the event such
application does not fulfill the requirements set out under Statute 12.2. If the Credentials
Committee determines the Statute 12.2 requirements have been fulfilled, the Credentials
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Committee shall then ensure the application is put before Congress to vote on admission in
accordance with Statute 13.
12.2
Any application referred to under Statute 12.1 must be accompanied by the following mandatory
items:
12.2.1 a copy of the applicant’s legally valid statutes and regulations or other relevant
constitutional documents;
12.2.2 a declaration that it will always comply with these Statutes and the Regulations Governing
the Application of the Statutes and decisions of NZF, and the FIFA Statutes and decisions of
FIFA, and OFC rules and regulations and decisions, and ensure that these are also respected
by its own members, clubs, officials and players;
12.2.3 a declaration that it will comply with the Laws of the Game in force;
12.2.4 a declaration that it will not take matters of interpretation and application of the FIFA
Statutes, or OFC rules or regulations, or these Statutes or Regulations Governing the
Application of the Statutes, or FIFA or OFC or NZF decisions and directives to Ordinary
Courts, unless the FIFA Statutes, OFC rules and regulations (as the case may be), or these
Statutes and Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes provide for or stipulate
recourse to Ordinary Courts;
12.2.5 a declaration that it recognises the Sports Tribunal NZ and the Court of Arbitration for Sport
(CAS) in Lausanne, as specified in these Statutes;
12.2.6 a declaration that it is located in New Zealand;
12.2.7 a declaration that it and any Clubs in the group that it represents will play all official home
matches in New Zealand;
12.2.8 a declaration to the effect that the legal composition of the applicant guarantees that it can
make decisions independently of any external entity;
12.2.9 a list of officials, specifying those who are authorised signatories with the right to enter into
legally binding agreements with third parties;
12.2.10 a declaration that it undertakes to organise or participate in friendly matches only with the
prior consent of NZF;
12.2.11 a copy of the minutes of its last congress or annual meeting or principal constitutional
meeting otherwise;
12.2.12 if a prospective Voting Member as contemplated under Statute 12.1, incontrovertible
evidence that the relevant organisation is either a limited liability company registered as a
New Zealand company under the Companies Act 1993 or an incorporated society
registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, and that organisation is legally
solvent.
12.3
This Statute 12 shall not affect the status of certain existing Members. For certainty, this means
that Members of NZF immediately prior to Congress on 28 September 2014 are continuing
Members if either Voting Members (in the case of Regional Associations only) or Affiliated
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Members (in the case of those Members set out at Schedule Two only), but subject to the
provisions of these Statutes.
13
Request and procedure for application
13.1
The procedure for admission shall be regulated by special regulations approved by the Executive
Committee.
13.2
The Executive Committee shall request the Congress either to admit or not to admit an applicant.
The applicant may state the reasons for its application to the Congress.
13.3
The new Member shall acquire membership rights and duties as soon as it has been admitted.
14
Members’ rights
14.1
The Members of NZF have the following rights:
14.1.1 If a Voting Member, to take part in the Congress of NZF, to know its agenda in advance, to
be called to the Congress within the prescribed time and to exercise their voting rights;
14.1.2 If a Voting Member, to draw up proposals for inclusion in the agenda of the Congress;
14.1.3 to nominate candidates for elections for the seven elected members of the Executive
Committee to be put forward by the Nominations Panel;
14.1.4 to nominate candidates for election for the other three members of the Executive
Committee to be put forward by the Search Panel.
14.1.5 to be informed of the affairs of NZF through the official bodies of NZF;
14.1.6 to take part in competitions if applicable and/or other sporting activities organised or
approved by NZF;
14.1.7 unless expressed to the contrary in these Statutes, to exercise all other Member rights
arising from these Statutes and the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes.
14.2
The exercise of these rights is subject to other provisions in these Statutes and the applicable
Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes.
15
Members’ obligations
15.1
The Members have the following obligations:
15.1.1 to comply fully with these Statutes and Regulations Governing the Application of the
Statutes, the FIFA Statutes, and the rules, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, OFC
and NZF otherwise at all times and to ensure that these are also respected by its members;
15.1.2 to ensure the election or appointment or otherwise of its decision-making bodies in
accordance with its own relevant constitutional requirements and applicable law;
15.1.3 to convene its supreme and legislative body at regular intervals, as a general rule once a
year, but if circumstances so require, at least every two years;
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15.1.4 to take part in competitions if applicable and other sports activities organised or approved
by NZF;
15.1.5 to pay their membership subscriptions and admission fee as further detailed under Statute
67;
15.1.6 to respect the Laws of the Game as laid down by IFAB and the Beach Soccer (if and when
applicable in New Zealand) and Futsal Laws of the Game as laid down by FIFA, and to
ensure that these are also respected by its members through a statutory provision;
15.1.7 to adopt a statutory clause specifying that any dispute requiring arbitration involving itself
or one of its members and relating to these Statutes and Regulations Governing the
Application of the Statutes, the FIFA Statutes, the rules, regulations, directives and
decisions of FIFA, OFC, NZF or the League(s) otherwise shall only be referred to the Sports
Tribunal NZ or to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, both as
specified in the FIFA Statutes and in these Statutes, and that any recourse to Ordinary
Courts is prohibited;
15.1.8 to communicate to NZF any amendment of its constitution, rules, statutes and Regulations
Governing the Application of the Statutes as well as the list of its officials or persons who
are authorised signatories with the right to enter into legally binding agreements with third
parties;
15.1.9 not to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities that are not recognised or
with Members that have been suspended or expelled;
15.1.10 to observe the principles of loyalty, integrity and good sporting behaviour as an expression
of fair play through a statutory provision;
15.1.11 to observe the mandatory items specified under Statute 12.2 for the duration of their
affiliation;
15.1.12 to administer a register of members which shall regularly be updated;
15.1.13 to ratify statutes that are in accordance with the requirements of these Statutes;
15.1.14 to comply fully with all other duties arising from, and to submit and be subordinate to, the
authority, and these Statutes, Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, the
FIFA Statutes, and rules and other regulations of FIFA, OFC and NZF;
15.1.15 to otherwise properly exercise and observe the rights and obligations set out under Statute
14.1.
15.2
Violation of the above-mentioned obligations by any Member may lead to sanctions provided for in
these Statutes.
16
Suspension
16.1
Subject to Statute 19, the Congress is responsible for suspending a Voting Member. The Executive
Committee may, however, suspend a Voting Member that seriously violates its obligations as a
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Member with immediate effect. The suspension shall last until the next Congress, unless the
Executive Committee has lifted it in the meantime.
16.2
A suspension shall be confirmed at the next Congress by a three-quarter majority of the Total
Voting Strength. If it is not confirmed, the suspension is automatically lifted.
16.3
A suspended Voting Member shall lose its membership rights. Other Members may not entertain
sporting contact with a suspended Voting Member. The Disciplinary Committee may impose
further sanctions.
16.4
Voting Members that do not participate in the sporting activities of NZF for one year shall be
suspended from voting at the Congress.
17
Expulsion
17.1
Subject to Statute 19, the Congress may expel a Voting Member if:
17.1.1 it fails to fulfil its financial obligations towards NZF; or
17.1.2 it repeatedly violates these Statutes, Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes,
the FIFA Statutes, and rules, regulations, directives or decisions of FIFA, OFC and NZF; or
17.1.3 it brings a dispute to an Ordinary Court, except in cases where these Statutes, Regulations
Governing the Application of the Statutes, the FIFA Statutes, and rules, regulations,
directives or decisions of FIFA, OFC, NZF or binding legal provisions specifically provide for
or stipulate recourse to Ordinary Courts.
17.2
The presence of an absolute majority (more than 50%) of the Total Voting Strength is necessary for
an expulsion to be valid, and the motion for expulsion must be adopted by a three-quarter majority
of the Total Voting Strength present.
18
Resignation
18.1
Subject to Statute 19, a Voting Member may resign from NZF with effect from the end of the
Congress immediately following the Voting Member’s notice of resignation. Notice of resignation
must reach the General Secretary no later than six months before that Congress.
18.2
The resignation is not valid until the Voting Member wishing to resign has fulfilled its financial
obligations towards NZF and the other Members of NZF.
19
Exceptions to suspensions, expulsions and resignations
19.1
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under Statutes 16, 17 and 18, Regional Associations,
being duly established branches of NZF as the term “branch” is defined under the Incorporated
Societies Act 1908, may only be suspended, expelled or have a resignation accepted with the prior
written approval of the Executive Committee in its discretion.
20
Independence of Members and their bodies
20.1
Each Member shall manage its affairs independently and with no influence from third parties,
subject to Statute 15.1.14.
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20.2
The Members’ bodies shall be either elected or appointed or otherwise. The Members’ statutes
shall provide for a procedure that guarantees the complete independence of the election or
appointment or otherwise in accordance with its own relevant constitutional requirements and
applicable law.
20.3
Any Members’ bodies that have not been elected or appointed or otherwise in compliance with the
provisions of Statute 20.2, even on an interim basis, shall not be recognised by NZF.
20.4
Decisions passed by bodies that have not been elected or appointed or otherwise in compliance
with Statute 20.2 shall not be recognised by NZF.
21
Status of Regional Associations, Leagues otherwise or other groups
21.1
Regional Associations, Leagues otherwise or any other groups, including Clubs, affiliated to NZF
shall be subordinate to and recognised by NZF. There shall only be one top-tier men’s and one toptier women’s national league in New Zealand.
21.2
These Statutes define the scope of authority and the rights and duties of the groups set out under
Statute 21.1. Their statutes and regulations must be approved by the Executive Committee.
21.3
The groups set out under Statute 21.1 shall take all decisions on any matters regarding their
membership independently of any external body, subject to Statute 15.1.14. This obligation applies
regardless of their corporate structure.
21.4
In any case, no natural or legal person (including holding companies and subsidiaries) shall exercise
control over more than one group set out under Statute 21.1 whenever the integrity of any match
or competition run or administered by NZF could be jeopardised, subject to Statute 15.1.14.
22
Honorary president and life members
22.1
The Congress may bestow the title of honorary president or life member upon any persons for
meritorious service to football or, in the case of honorary president, otherwise meritorious having
regard to the responsibilities of the honorary president under these Statutes.
22.2
The Executive Committee shall make these nominations.
22.3
The honorary president or life member may take part in the Congress. They may join the debates
but are not entitled to vote.
22.4
The mandate of the honorary president is for four years. The mandate of the honorary president
shall begin after the end of the Congress which has bestowed the title upon the person. The
honorary president may be re-bestowed of the title.
23
Bodies (of NZF)
23.1
The Congress is the supreme and legislative body.
23.2
The Executive Committee is the executive body.
23.3
Standing and ad-hoc committees shall advise and assist the Executive Committee in fulfilling its
duties. Their duties, composition and function are defined in these Statutes and/or special
regulations drawn up by the Executive Committee.
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23.4
The judicial bodies are the Disciplinary Committee, the Ethics Committee and the Appeal
Committee.
23.5
The bodies of NZF shall be either elected or appointed by NZF itself or Congress without any
external influence and in accordance with the procedures described in these Statutes.
23.6
The Club Licensing Body is in charge of the club licensing system within NZF.
23.7
The Electoral Committee is the body in charge of organising and supervising the election process in
respect of the Executive Committee.
CONGRESS
24
Definition and composition of the Congress
24.1
The Congress is the meeting at which all of the Voting Members regularly convene, and not less
than annually. It represents the supreme and legislative authority of NZF. Only a Congress that is
duly convened has the authority to make decisions.
24.2
A Congress may be an Ordinary or Extraordinary Congress.
24.3
The President shall conduct the Congress business in compliance with the Standing Orders of the
Congress.
25
Delegates and votes
25.1
Only Voting Members are entitled to vote at Congress.
25.2
Each Voting Member shall be entitled to have one delegate at any Congress and that delegate shall
be entitled to cast one vote at the relevant Congress, provided that each of the Regional
Associations shall each be entitled to have two delegates at any Congress and those delegates shall
be entitled to cast one vote each at the relevant Congress, to the intent that:
25.2.1 Regional Associations are entitled to cast two votes each and any other Voting Members
are entitled to cast one vote each at any Congress;
25.2.2 there are only ever 28 delegates and votes available to Voting Members, to the intent that
the Regional Associations shall never have less than 50% of the Total Voting Strength.
25.3
For certainty, unless expressed to the contrary in these Statutes, no Voting Member is entitled to
vote at any Congress at which that Voting Member was admitted as a Voting Member of NZF.
25.4
Each Voting Member is entitled to one delegate at Congress, provided that each Voting Member
that is a Regional Association is entitled to two delegates at Congress.
25.5
Delegates must belong to the Voting Member that they represent and be appointed or elected or
nominated as delegates by the appropriate body of that Voting Member. They must also be able to
produce evidence of this upon request.
25.6
Voting by proxy or by letter is not permitted.
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25.7
The Executive Committee and the General Secretary shall take part in the Congress without voting
rights. During their terms of office, members of the Executive Committee may not be appointed as
delegates for any Voting Member.
26
Areas of authority
26.1
The Congress has the following authority:
26.1.1 adopting or amending these Statutes and the Standing Orders of the Congress;
26.1.2 appointing as many Voting Member representatives as it deems necessary to check the
minutes and approving the minutes of the last meeting;
26.1.3 electing or dismissing the President;
26.1.4 electing or dismissing the vice President;
26.1.5 electing or dismissing the members of the judicial bodies;
26.1.6 appointing the scrutineers;
26.1.7 approving the statements of financial position;
26.1.8 approving the annual report for the previous year;
26.1.9 appointing the independent auditors upon the proposal of the Executive Committee;
26.1.10 fixing the Membership and affiliation subscriptions on the recommendation of the
Executive Committee;
26.1.11 deciding, upon the nomination of the Executive Committee, whether to bestow the title of
honorary president or life member;
26.1.12 admitting, suspending or expelling a Voting Member, subject to Statute 19;
26.1.13 revoking the mandate of one or a number of members of a body of NZF;
26.1.14 passing decisions at the request of a Voting Member in accordance with these Statutes;
26.1.15 electing or dismissing the members of the Electoral Committee and the Election Appeal
Committee;
26.1.16 electing the seven elected members of the Executive Committee put forward by the
Nominations Panel;
26.1.17 electing the other three members of the Executive Committee put forward by the Search
Panel;
26.1.18 electing the members of the Nominations Panel, the Search Panel and the Credentials
Committee.
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27
Quorum of the Congress
27.1
Decisions passed by the Congress shall only be valid if the absolute majority (more than 50%) of the
Total Voting Strength is represented by the Voting Members in attendance.
27.2
If a quorum is not achieved, a second Congress shall take place within 24 hours, with the same
agenda.
27.3
A quorum is not required for the second meeting of the Congress unless any item on the agenda
proposes the amendment of these Statutes, the election of the President or the election of the vice
President or members of the Executive Committee, the dismissal of one or a number of members
of a body of NZF, the expulsion of a Voting Member or the dissolution of NZF.
28
Decisions of the Congress
28.1
A decision that requires a vote shall be reached on the voices or by a show of hands. If the voices or
a show of hands does not result in a clear majority in favour of a motion, the vote shall be taken by
a poll of all those present and entitled to vote.
28.2
Unless otherwise stipulated in these Statutes, a majority (more than 50%) of the Total Voting
Strength is sufficient for a vote to be valid. Spoiled or blank voting slips or any other forms of
abstentions are disregarded in calculating the majority.
29
Elections
29.1
Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot, unless the number of candidates is equal to the
number of vacancies. Then the election may be conducted by acclamation.
29.2
Elections within NZF and Members, elections of the seven elected members of the Executive
Committee put forward by the Nominations Panel, elections of the three elected members of the
Executive Committee put forward by the Search Panel, and elections of the members of the Search
Panel, the Nominations Panel and the Credentials Committee shall be conducted in accordance
with the Electoral Code.
29.3
Subject to Statute 41.7, for the election of President and vice President, the Executive Committee
shall nominate two of its Executive Committee members to put forward to Congress for election
and Congress shall then decide by a majority of the Total Voting Strength (more than 50%) in the
ballot which of the two is elected President, with the other nominee being vice President.
29.4
In case of a tied vote, new ballots shall be conducted until the respective candidate or list is elected
in accordance with the procedure set forth by the present provision.
30
Ordinary Congress
30.1
The Ordinary Congress shall be held every year.
30.2
The Executive Committee shall fix the place and date. The Voting Members shall be notified in
writing at least three months in advance.
30.3
The formal convocation shall be made in writing at least to be completed by NZF one month prior
to Congress. This convocation shall contain the agenda, the President’s activity report, the financial
statements and the auditors’ report and any other relevant documents.
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31
Ordinary Congress agenda
31.1
The General Secretary shall draw up the agenda based on proposals from the Executive Committee
and the Voting Members. Any proposal that a Voting Member wishes to submit to the Congress
shall be sent to the General Secretary in writing, with a brief explanation, at least two months
before the date of the Congress.
31.2
The Congress agenda shall include the following mandatory items:
31.2.1 a declaration that the Congress has been convened and composed in compliance with the
Statutes;
31.2.2 an address by the President;
31.2.3 appointment of Voting Member representatives to check the minutes;
31.2.4 appointment of scrutineers;
31.2.5 suspension or expulsion of Voting Members (if applicable);
31.2.6 approval of the minutes of the preceding Congress;
31.2.7 President’s activity report (containing the activities since the last Congress);
31.2.8 presentation of the consolidated and revised balance sheet and the statement of financial
position;
31.2.9 approval of the previous years’ financial statements;
31.2.10 applications for membership (if applicable);
31.2.11 votes on proposals for amendments to these Statutes and the Standing Orders of the
Congress (if applicable);
31.2.12 discussion of proposals submitted by the Voting Members and the Executive Committee in
accordance with the procedure stipulated under Statute 31.1;
31.2.13 appointment of independent auditors (if applicable) upon the proposal of the Executive
Committee;
31.2.14 dismissal of a person or a body (if applicable);
31.2.15 elections of the elected members of the Executive Committee put forward by the
Nominations Panel, the elected members of the Executive Committee put forward by the
Search Panel, and elections of the Nominations Panel, the Search Panel and the Credentials
Committee (if applicable);
31.2.16 whether to bestow the title of honorary president or life member;
31.2.17 election of the members of the judicial bodies (if applicable);
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31.2.18 election of the members of the Electoral Committee and the Election Appeal Committee (if
applicable).
31.3
The Congress shall not make a decision on any point not included in the agenda.
31.4
The agenda of an Ordinary Congress may not be altered at the Congress.
32
Extraordinary Congress
32.1
The Executive Committee may convene an Extraordinary Congress at any time.
32.2
The Executive Committee shall convene an Extraordinary Congress if not less than 51% of the Total
Voting Strength is represented by those Voting Members who make such a request in writing. The
request shall specify the items for the agenda. An Extraordinary Congress shall be held within one
month of receipt of the request. If an Extraordinary Congress is not convened, the Voting Members
who requested it may convene the Congress themselves. As a last resort, those Voting Members
may request assistance from FIFA and OFC.
32.3
The Voting Members shall be notified of the place, date and agenda at least 15 days before the
date of an Extraordinary Congress.
32.4
When an Extraordinary Congress is convened on the initiative of the Executive Committee, it must
draw up the agenda. When an Extraordinary Congress is convened upon the request of Voting
Members, the agenda must contain the points raised by those Voting Members.
32.5
The agenda of an Extraordinary Congress may not be altered.
33
Amendments to these Statutes and the Standing Orders of the Congress
33.1
The Congress is responsible for amending these Statutes and the Standing Orders of the Congress.
33.2
Any proposals for an amendment to the Statutes must be submitted in writing with a brief
explanation to the General Secretary by a Voting Member or by the Executive Committee. A
proposal submitted by a Voting Member is valid, provided it has been supported in writing by at
least 25% of the Total Voting Strength.
33.3
For a vote on an amendment to these Statutes to be valid, a majority (more than 50%) of the Total
Voting Strength must be cast agreeing to put the vote to the relevant Congress.
33.4
A proposal for an amendment to the Statutes shall be adopted only if three-quarters of the Total
Voting Strength agree to it.
33.5
Any proposal to amend the Standing Orders of the Congress must be submitted in writing with a
brief explanation to the General Secretary by a Voting Member or by the Executive Committee.
33.6
A proposal for an amendment to the Standing Orders of the Congress shall be adopted only by a
majority (more than 50%) of the Total Voting Strength, subject to the provisions of Statutes 26.2
and 26.3 being deemed to apply in respect of a Congress, where that majority is not achieved for
the first Congress, and a second Congress is required.
33.7
For certainty, no amendment to these Statutes shall be in contravention of the FIFA Statutes, nor
seek to ever alter Statutes 4, 39.6 or 78.
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33.8
Following any amendment of the Statutes, such changes shall be circulated promptly to the Voting
Members, however failure to circulate will not invalidate any Statute or exonerate any Member for
non-observance or non-compliance.
34
Minutes
34.1
The General Secretary shall be responsible for recording the minutes at the Congress. The minutes
shall be checked by those Voting Members designated and finally approved at the next Congress.
35
Effective dates of decisions
35.1
Decisions passed by the Congress shall come into effect for the Members immediately after the
close of the Congress, unless otherwise stipulated in these present Statutes or unless the Congress
fixes another date for a decision to take effect.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, SEARCH PANEL AND NOMINATIONS PANEL
36
Composition
36.1
The Executive Committee consists of 10 members:
36.1.1 seven of whom are elected by Congress following being put forward by the Nominations
Panel;
36.1.2 three of whom are elected following being put forward by the Search Panel.
36.2
The Executive Committee roles of President and vice President shall be elected by Congress as set
out under Statute 29.3. Every candidate in the election of the Executive Committee must be
proposed by at least one Member.
36.3
The mandate of the members of the Executive Committee, and the Search Panel, the Nominations
Panel and the Credentials Committee is for four years. Their mandates shall begin after the end of
the Congress which has elected them. They may be re-elected for one further term (being a
maximum of two four year terms), save that, at the discretion of Congress, one further term
extension (being a maximum of three four year terms) is permitted.
36.4
The mandate of the President and vice President is for four years. Their mandates shall begin after
the end of the Congress which has elected them. They may be re-elected for one further term
(being a maximum of two four year terms). For certainty, notwithstanding the provisions of this
Statute 36.4:
36.4.1 the respective mandates of the President and the vice President can never exceed the
mandates of those same persons in their respective capacities as Executive Committee
members and, where this Statute 36.4.1 is relevant, the above President and vice President
mandates shall be deemed reduced to the shortest Executive Committee member mandate
of those two persons;
36.4.2 Statute 41.7 shall apply in the event of the position of President or vice President becoming
vacant.
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36.5
The members of the Executive Committee, the Search Panel, the Nominations Panel and the
Credentials Committee must have residency within New Zealand and not have been previously
found guilty of any criminal offence incompatible with the position.
36.6
Candidatures for the seven Executive Committee members who are elected by Congress after
having been put forward by the Nominations Panel must be sent to the General Secretary at least 2
months before the date of the Congress. The official list of candidates must be passed to the Voting
Members at least one month before the date of the Congress at which the relevant Executive
Committee member(s) will be elected. Candidatures for the three Executive Committee members
who are elected by Congress after having been put forward by the Search Panel must be sent to the
address nominated by the Search Panel and its advertising pursuant to the relevant Regulations
Governing the Application of the Statutes.
36.7
A member of the Executive Committee may not at the same time be a member of a judicial body of
NZF.
36.8
If a position or up to 50% of the positions of the Executive Committee become vacant, the
Executive Committee shall fill the position(s) in question until the next Congress, when a candidate
(which can be the person who the Executive Committee temporarily filled the position with) will be
elected for the remaining term of mandate. The Executive Committee may, at its discretion,
dispense with calling the filling of the position(s) if the vacancy occurred within six months of the
date on which the next Congress would likely take place.
36.9
A position will be considered vacant in case of death, of permanent disability to the extent the role
of the relevant Executive Committee member cannot be appropriately undertaken, or resignation,
or if a member of the Executive Committee does not participate in three consecutive meetings
without leave pre-approved by the Executive Committee.
36.10 If more than 50% of the positions of the Executive Committee become vacant, the balance of
members of the Executive Committee remaining shall constitute and be deemed the Executive
Committee. If the Executive Committee lacks the required quorum, the General Secretary shall
convene an Extraordinary Congress within the prescribed period of time, and shall notify of a
truncated candidacy detail period, including nomination and information circulation, at the General
Secretary’s discretion, having regard to Statute 32.3.
36.11 In respect of the Search Panel, the Executive Committee shall ensure that it always diligently
perform the functions and role set out under the relevant Regulations Governing the Application of
the Statutes.
36.12 In respect of the Nominations Panel, the Executive Committee shall ensure that it always diligently
perform the functions and role set out under the relevant Regulations Governing the Application of
the Statutes.
36.13 In respect of the Credentials Committee, the Executive Committee shall ensure that it always
diligently perform the functions and role set out under the relevant Regulations Governing the
Application of the Statutes.
36.14 If a Regional Association board member is elected as a member of the Executive Committee, when
still a Regional Association board member, that person shall resign as a board member of the
relevant Regional Association as soon as practicable and, in any event, no later than nine months
from the date of their election as an Executive Committee member.
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36.15 If a Regional Association board member is elected President of NZF, when still a Regional
Association board member, that person shall resign as a board member of the relevant Regional
Association immediately.
37
Meetings
37.1
The Executive Committee shall meet at least four times a year.
37.2
The President shall convene the Executive Committee meetings. If 51% of the Executive Committee
members request a meeting, the President shall convene it within 21 days. If the President does
not convene the requested meeting within the aforementioned deadline, the other members of
the Executive Committee shall convene it themselves.
37.3
The President shall compile the agenda. Each member of the Executive Committee is entitled to
propose items for inclusion in the agenda to the General Secretary.
37.4
The General Secretary shall take part in the meetings of the Executive Committee in a consultative
role.
37.5
The meetings of the Executive Committee shall not be held in public. The Executive Committee
may, however, invite third parties to attend. Those third parties shall not have voting rights, and
may only express an opinion with the permission of the Executive Committee. The Executive
Committee may meet without the General Secretary present for all or part of the meeting if the
Executive Committee desires.
38
Powers of the Executive Committee
38.1
The Executive Committee:
38.1.1 In addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred on it by these Statutes or at
law otherwise, the Executive Committee may exercise all such powers and do all such
things as may be exercised and done by NZF which are not expressly directed or required
by these Statutes to be exercised or done by NZF in Congresses and that are not
inconsistent with the objectives of NZF as set out under Statute 3.
38.1.2 shall pass decisions on all cases that do not come within the sphere of responsibility of the
Congress or are not reserved for other bodies by law or under these Statutes;
38.1.3 shall prepare and convene the Ordinary and Extraordinary Congress of NZF;
38.1.4 shall nominate for election by Congress two Executive Committee members for the roles of
President and the vice President of the Executive Committee pursuant to Statute 29.3, and
the Executive Committee shall appoint the chairperson, deputy chairperson and members
of the standing committees;
38.1.5 may decide to set up ad-hoc committees if necessary at any time;
38.1.6 shall compile the regulations for the organisation of standing committees and ad-hoc
committees;
38.1.7 shall appoint or dismiss the General Secretary;
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38.1.8 shall propose the independent auditors to the Congress;
38.1.9 shall decide the place and dates of and the number of teams participating in the
competitions of NZF;
38.1.10 shall approve regulations stipulating how NZF shall be organised internally;
38.1.11 shall ensure that the Statutes are applied and adopt the executive arrangements required
for their application;
38.1.12 may dismiss a person or body or suspend a Voting Member of NZF provisionally until the
next Congress;
38.1.13 may delegate tasks arising out of its area of authority to other bodies of NZF or third
parties;
38.1.14 may appoint observers who take part in the Congress without the right to debate or to
vote;
38.1.15 shall be responsible for creating and amending the Regulations Governing the Application
of the Statutes.
39
Decisions
39.1
The Executive Committee shall not engage in valid debate unless not less than six (for certainty
constituting a quorum) of its members are present.
39.2
The Executive Committee shall reach decisions by a majority (more than 50%) of the valid votes
cast, being votes of those present and voting when a quorum is attained. In the event of a tied
vote, the President shall have the casting vote. Voting by proxy or by letter is not permitted.
39.3
Any member of the Executive Committee must withdraw from the debate and from taking a
decision if there is any risk or possibility of a conflict of interests.
39.4
The decisions taken shall be recorded in the minutes.
39.5
The decisions taken by the Executive Committee shall come into effect immediately, unless the
Executive Committee decides otherwise.
39.6
Where any Executive Committee member or any Official or executive of NZF is either personally
interested in or is an associated person of a person who is in any capacity interested or concerned
directly or indirectly in any transaction with NZF, then the Executive Committee member, Official or
executive shall disclose the nature and extent of the interest and, if the interest is a personal
pecuniary interest, or, if the President otherwise so requires, he or she shall not take any part in
any further deliberations of the Executive Committee or NZF on that matter.
39.7
The Executive Committee may conduct its meetings wholly or partly by telephone or by
teleconference or electronic or other means provided however that all members of the Executive
Committee present or otherwise attending in terms of this Statute shall be in simultaneous contact
or communication with one another throughout the entirety of the meeting unless permission is
sought by and given to an Executive Committee member wishing to retire from the meeting at any
stage.
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39.8
A resolution in writing signed by seventy-five percent (75%) of the members of the Executive
Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Executive
Committee duly called and constituted provided that advance written notice including the text of
the proposed resolution shall have been given to each Executive Committee member as if it were
notice summoning an Executive Committee meeting. A copy of any resolution so made shall be
forwarded to each member of the Executive Committee as soon as practicable after adoption.
40
Dismissal of a person or body
40.1
The Congress may dismiss a person or body. The Executive Committee may place the dismissal of a
person or body on the agenda for the Congress. The Executive Committee may also dismiss a
person or body provisionally. Any Executive Committee member may submit a proposal to place
such a motion for dismissal on the agenda of the Executive Committee or Congress.
40.2
The motion for dismissal must be justified. It will be sent to the to the members of the Executive
Committee and/or to Voting Members of NZF along with the agenda.
40.3
The person or body in question has the right to speak in his or its own defence.
40.4
If the motion for dismissal is upheld, the Congress or Executive Committee shall reach a decision by
means of secret ballot. For the motion to be passed, a majority of two-thirds of the valid votes is
required.
40.5
The person or body dismissed (provisionally) must be relieved of his or its functions with immediate
effect.
40.6
This Statute 40 is subject to Statute 19.
PRESIDENT
41
President
41.1
The President has the authority and responsibilities set out in this Statute 41, or as may be
conferred or amended by resolution of the Executive Committee.
41.2
He or she is primarily responsible for oversight of Executive Committee responsibilities of:
41.2.1 implementing the decisions passed by the Congress and the Executive Committee;
41.2.2 ensuring the effective functioning of the bodies of NZF in order that they achieve the
objectives described in these Statutes;
41.2.3 supervising the work of the General Secretary;
41.2.4 relations between NZF and its Members, FIFA, OFC, political bodies and other
organisations.
41.3
The President shall preside over the Congress, the Executive Committee meetings and those
committees of which he has been appointed chairperson or president.
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41.4
The President shall have an ordinary vote on the Executive Committee and, whenever votes are
equal, shall have a casting vote.
41.5
If the President is absent, the vice President available shall deputise.
41.6
The position of the President will be considered vacant in case of death, of permanent disability to
the extent the role of the relevant Executive Committee member cannot be appropriately
undertaken, or resignation, or if he or she does not participate in three consecutive meetings of the
Executive Committee without leave pre-approved by the Executive Committee.
41.7
If the position of the President or vice President becomes vacant, the Executive Committee shall fill
the position from amongst remaining Executive Committee members until the next Congress when
a candidate (which can be the person who the Executive Committee temporarily filled the position
with) will be elected by Congress for the remaining term of the relevant mandate, to the intent
that, wherever practicable, the respective terms of President and vice President always end
simultaneously.
41.8
Any additional powers of the President shall be contained in the Internal Organisation Regulations
of NZF.
42
Candidates for the office of President
42.1
The President shall be elected as set out under Statute 29.3. A President may be re-elected as set
out under Statute 36.4.
43
Common seal
43.1
The Executive Committee shall adopt a common seal and such seal shall be under the control of the
Executive Committee. The common seal of NZF shall be deposited at the registered office and shall
only be affixed to any document pursuant to a resolution of the Executive Committee and the
affixing shall only be witnessed by the General Secretary or as otherwise provided by resolution of
the Executive Committee.
STANDING COMMITTEES
44
Standing Committees
44.1
The standing committees of NZF are:
44.1.1 Finance Committee;
44.1.2 Audit and Compliance Committee;
44.1.3 Referees’ Committee;
44.1.4 Women’s Football Committee;
44.1.5 Players’ Status Committee;
44.1.6 High Performance Committee;
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44.1.7 such other ad-hoc committees of NZF as the Executive Committee may determine in its
discretion from time to time.
44.2
The chairperson and deputy chairperson of the standing committees may be members of the
Executive Committee with the exception of those for the Audit and Compliance Committee, who
may not belong to the Executive Committee. The members of each standing committee shall be
appointed by the Executive Committee. The chairperson, deputy chairperson and the members of
the standing committees shall be designated for a term of office of four years, or, where the
member of a standing committee is an Executive Committee member, such shorter term that the
member retains Executive Committee membership for.
44.3
Each chairperson shall represent his committee and conduct business in compliance with the
relevant Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes drawn up by the Executive
Committee.
44.4
Each chairperson shall fix the dates of meetings in collaboration with the General Secretary, ensure
that all tasks are carried out and report back to the Executive Committee.
44.5
Each committee may propose amendments to its regulations to the Executive Committee.
44.6
In appointing members of standing committees, the Executive Committee shall ensure that each
member is suitably qualified.
45
Finance Committee
45.1
The Finance Committee shall monitor the financial management and advise the Executive
Committee on financial matters and asset management. It shall analyse the budget of NZF and the
financial statements prepared by the General Secretary and submit them to the Executive
Committee for approval. It shall consist of a chairman, a deputy chairman and such other number
of members as determined by the Executive Committee from time to time.
46
Audit and Compliance Committee
46.1
The Audit and Compliance Committee shall ensure the completeness and reliability of the financial
accounting and review the financial statements, the consolidated financial statement and the
external auditors’ report.
46.2
The Audit and Compliance Committee shall advise and assist the Executive Committee in
monitoring NZF’s financial and compliance matters and issue and monitor compliance with the
relevant Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes.
46.3
Details on the Audit and Compliance Committee’s responsibilities, its internal cooperation and
other procedural matters are stipulated in the relevant Regulations Governing the Application of
the Statutes.
46.4
The chairman, deputy chairman and members of the Audit and Compliance Committee shall be
appointed by the Executive Committee for a period of four years and may only be relieved of their
duties by the Executive Committee.
46.5
If the chairman, the deputy chairman or a member of the Audit and Compliance Committee
permanently ceases to perform his official function during his term of office, the Executive
Committee shall appoint a replacement to serve until the end of the relevant term of that person.
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47
Referees’ Committee
47.1
The Referees’ Committee shall implement the Laws of the Game. It shall appoint the referees for
matches in competitions organised by NZF, organise refereeing matters within NZF in collaboration
with the administration of NZF and monitor the education and training of referees. It shall consist
of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and such other number of members as determined by the
Executive Committee from time to time.
48
Women’s Football Committee
48.1
The Committee for Women’s Football shall organise women’s football competitions and deal with
all matters relating to women’s football. It shall consist of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and
such other number of members as determined by the Executive Committee from time to time.
49
Players’ Status Committee
49.1
The Players’ Status Committee shall set up and monitor compliance with transfer regulations in
accordance with the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players and determine the
status of Players for various competitions of NZF. The Executive Committee may draw up special
regulations governing the Players’ Status Committee’s powers of jurisdiction. The Players’ Status
Committee shall consist of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and such other number of members
as determined by the Executive Committee from time to time.
49.2
Players’ status disputes involving NZF, its Members, Players, Officials and match and players’ agents
shall be settled in the last instance by Sports Tribunal NZ in accordance with these Statutes.
50
High Performance Committee
50.1
The High Performance Committee shall deal with general issues related to high performance in
football at all levels. It shall consist of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and such other number
of members as determined by the Executive Committee from time to time.
51
Ad-hoc committees
51.1
The Executive Committee may, if necessary, create ad-hoc committees for special duties and a
limited period of time. The Executive Committee shall appoint a chairperson, a deputy chairperson
and the members. The duties and function are defined in special regulations drawn up by the
Executive Committee. An ad-hoc committee shall report directly to the Executive Committee.
OTHER BODIES
52
Club Licensing Body
52.1
The Club Licensing Body is in charge of the club licensing system within NZF in accordance with the
Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes.
53
Electoral Committee
53.1
The Electoral Committee is the body in charge of organising and supervising the election, and the
ratification or veto, (as the case may be) process in accordance with the Electoral Code.
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53.2
The elections of the Electoral Committee and the Election Appeal Committee shall be conducted in
accordance with the Electoral Code.
GENERAL SECRETARY
54
General Secretary
54.1
The General Secretary is the general secretary of NZF.
54.2
The General Secretary shall be employed or otherwise contracted by NZF and shall have the
necessary professional qualifications.
54.3
The General Secretary shall discharge their responsibilities set out in the General Secretary’s
employment or other contract with NZF, including being responsible for:
54.3.1 implementing decisions passed by the Congress and Executive Committee;
54.3.2 attending the Congress and meetings of the Executive Committee, and the standing and
ad-hoc committees, but these committees may meet without the General Secretary;
54.3.3 organising the Congress and meetings of the Executive Committee and other bodies;
54.3.4 compiling the minutes for the meetings of the Congress, the Executive Committee and
standing and ad-hoc committees;
54.3.5 relations with the Members, committees, FIFA and OFC.
54.4
The General Secretary may not be a Congress delegate or a member of any body of NZF.
JUDICIAL BODIES
55
Judicial bodies
55.1
The judicial bodies of NZF are:
55.1.1 the Disciplinary Committee;
55.1.2 Ethics Committee;
55.1.3 the Appeal Committee.
55.2
The judicial bodies shall consist of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and a specific number of
other members, together numbering no less than three.
55.3
The judicial bodies are to be composed in such a way that the members, together, have the
knowledge, abilities and specialist experience that is necessary for the due completion of their
tasks. The term of office shall be four years. The members may be re-elected or relieved of their
duties at any time, although they may only be relieved of their duties by a majority vote of
Congress.
55.4
The chairperson, deputy chairperson and other members of the judicial bodies shall be elected by
Congress, in accordance with the Electoral Code, and upon proposal of the Executive Committee
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and they shall not be members of the Executive Committee or of a standing committee or be a
delegate at any Congress.
55.5
If the chairperson, the deputy chairperson or a member of a judicial body permanently ceases to
perform his official function during his term of office, the Executive Committee shall appoint a
replacement to serve until the next Congress.
55.6
The responsibilities and function of the judicial bodies shall be stipulated in the Disciplinary Code of
NZF and the Code of Ethics of NZF.
55.7
NZF shall ensure that the decisions of the judicial bodies are published for review by the
Membership on NZF’s website or other method of ensuring availability, at NZF’s discretion.
56
Disciplinary Committee
56.1
The function of the Disciplinary Committee shall be governed by the Disciplinary Code of NZF. The
Disciplinary Committee shall pass decisions only when at least three members are present. In
certain cases, the chairperson may rule alone.
56.2
The Disciplinary Committee may pronounce the sanctions described in these Statutes and the
Disciplinary Code of NZF on Members, Officials, Players, Clubs and match and players’ agents.
56.3
These provisions are subject to the disciplinary powers of the Congress and the Executive
Committee with regard to the suspension and expulsion of Voting Members.
56.4
The Executive Committee shall issue the Disciplinary Code of NZF.
57
Ethics Committee
57.1
The function of the Ethics Committee shall be governed by the Code of Ethics of NZF. The Ethics
Committee shall pass decisions only when at least three members are present. In certain cases, the
chairperson may rule alone.
57.2
The Ethics Committee may pronounce the sanctions described in these Statutes, the Code of Ethics
of NZF and the Disciplinary Code of NZF on Members, Officials, Players and match and players’
agents.
57.3
The Executive Committee shall issue the Code of Ethics of NZF.
58
Appeal Committee
58.1
The function of the Appeal Committee shall be governed by the Disciplinary Code of NZF and the
Code of Ethics of NZF. The Appeal Committee shall pass decisions only when at least three
members are present. In certain cases, the chairperson may rule alone.
58.2
The Appeal Committee is responsible for hearing appeals against decisions from the Disciplinary
Committee and the Ethics Committee that are not declared final by the relevant Regulations
Governing the Application of the Statutes.
58.3
Decisions pronounced by the Appeal Committee may be appealed to the Sports Tribunal NZ or to
the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, as specified in these Statutes.
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59
Disciplinary measures
59.1
The disciplinary measures are primarily:
59.1.1 for natural and legal persons:
a
a warning;
b
a reprimand;
c
a fine;
d
the return of awards;
e
in respect of a breach of NZF’s Code of Conduct, any of the above or such other
disciplinary measure that NZF or one of the judicial bodies determine is appropriate
in their respective discretions.
59.1.2 for natural persons:
a
a caution;
b
an expulsion;
c
a match suspension;
d
a ban from the dressing rooms and/or the substitutes’ bench;
e
a ban from entering a stadium;
f
a ban on taking part in any football-related activity;
g
social work.
59.1.3 for legal persons:
a
a transfer ban;
b
playing a match without spectators;
c
playing a match on neutral territory;
d
a ban on playing in a particular stadium;
e
annulment of the result of the match;
f
expulsion from a competition;
g
a forfeit;
h
deduction of points;
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i
relegation to a lower division;
j
replaying of a match.
60
Arbitration
60.1
NZF shall utilise the Sports Tribunal NZ, which shall hear appeals of decisions taken by NZF which
are final as contemplated under FIFA circular nr 1010 or its successor. The Executive Committee
shall make available any special regulations regarding the composition, jurisdiction and procedural
rules of this Sports Tribunal NZ.
60.2
As long as within New Zealand, the Sports Tribunal NZ (or its successor) has been installed and
recognised by the Congress of NZF, to the intent that any relevant dispute may only be referred in
the last instance to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
61
Jurisdiction
61.1
NZF, its Members, Players, Officials and match and players’ agents will not take any dispute to
ordinary courts unless these Statutes, FIFA regulations or binding legal provisions specifically
provide for or stipulate recourse to ordinary courts. Any disagreement shall be submitted to the
jurisdiction of NZF, the Sports Tribunal NZ or the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne,
Switzerland.
61.2
NZF shall have jurisdiction on internal national disputes, i.e. disputes between parties belonging to
NZF. FIFA shall have jurisdiction on international disputes, i.e. disputes between parties belonging
to different Associations and/or Confederations.
62
Court of Arbitration for Sport
62.1
In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes, any appeal against a final and
binding FIFA decision shall be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,
Switzerland. CAS shall not, however, hear appeals on violations of the Laws of the Game,
suspensions of up to four matches or up to three months, or decisions passed by an independent
and duly constituted Sports Tribunal NZ of an Association or Confederation.
62.2
NZF shall ensure its full compliance and that of its Members, Players, Officials and match and
players’ agents with any final decision passed by a FIFA body, by an OFC body, by the Sports
Tribunal NZ recognised by NZF or by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,
Switzerland.
63
Financial period
63.1
The financial year of NZF shall end on 31 December in each year.
63.2
The revenue and expenses of NZF shall be managed so that they, at a minimum, balance out over
the financial period. As an objective, NZF’s major duties in the future shall be guaranteed through
the creation of reserves.
63.3
The General Secretary is responsible for oversight of the drawing up the annual consolidated
accounts of NZF to be completed by 31 March in each year.
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64
Revenue
64.1
The revenue of NZF arises specifically from:
64.1.1 Members’ annual subscriptions;
64.1.2 receipts generated by the marketing of rights to which NZF is entitled;
64.1.3 fines imposed by the authorised bodies;
64.1.4 other subscriptions and receipts in keeping with the objectives pursued by NZF;
64.1.5 donations;
64.1.6 any other revenue related to football activities.
65
Expenses
65.1
NZF bears:
65.1.1 the expenses stipulated in the budget;
65.1.2 other expenses approved by the Executive Committee and expenses that the Executive
Committee is entitled to incur within the scope of its authority;
65.1.3 all other expenses in keeping with the objectives pursued by NZF, consistent with the
delegated financial authorities approved by the Executive Committee.
66
Independent and external auditors
66.1
The independent and external auditors being members of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered
Accountants and appointed by the Congress shall audit the accounts approved by the Finance,
Audit and Compliance Committee and present a report to the Congress. The auditors shall be
appointed for a period of one year. This mandate may be renewed.
67
Membership and affiliation subscriptions
67.1
Membership subscriptions are due on such annual date as is set by the Executive Committee from
time to time. The annual subscription for new Voting Members for the year in question shall be
paid within 30 days of the close of the Congress at which they are admitted.
67.2
The Executive Committee shall fix the amount of the annual subscription annually for both Voting
Members and Affiliated Members.
67.3
The one-off admission or affiliation fee for any new Voting Member of NZF is a lump sum payment,
in cleared funds of one thousand New Zealand dollars, or such other amount as is fixed by the
Executive Committee from time to time.
68
Settlement
68.1
NZF may debit any Member’s assets to settle claims.
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69
Levies
69.1
NZF may demand that a levy be paid by its Members for matches.
70
Competitions
70.1
NZF organises and coordinates the following official competitions held within New Zealand
(including any successor or replacement or additional competitions organised and coordinated by
NZF):
70.1.1 Men’s National League;
70.1.2 Women’s National League;
70.1.3 Chatham Cup;
70.1.4 such other competitions as organised and co-ordinated by NZF in its discretion from time to
time.
70.2
The Executive Committee may delegate to the Regional Associations and NZF’s subordinate
Leagues otherwise, or other Members, the authority to organise competitions by means of a
proper and comprehensive agreement for elite football or other arrangement at NZF’s discretion.
The competitions organised by the Regional Association or the Leagues otherwise shall not
interfere with those competitions organised by NZF. Competitions organised by NZF shall take
priority.
70.3
NZF may otherwise delegate authority to any person or entity it deems appropriate to run any of its
competitions on its behalf.
70.4
The Executive Committee may issue special regulations to this end.
71
Club licensing
71.1
The Executive Committee of NZF will set up regulations regarding a club licensing system governing
the participation of Clubs or other organisations in competitions of NZF, in compliance with the
minimum requirements of the club licensing system as set up by OFC in conformity with the FIFA
Club Licensing Regulations.
72
Rights
72.1
NZF are the original owners of all of the rights emanating from competitions and other events
coming under their respective jurisdiction, without any restrictions as to content, time, place and
law. These rights include, among others, every kind of financial rights, audiovisual and radio
recording, reproduction and broadcasting rights, multimedia rights, marketing and promotional
rights and incorporeal rights such as emblems and rights arising under copyright law.
72.2
The Executive Committee shall decide how and to what extent these rights are utilised and draw up
special regulations to this end.
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73
Authorisation
73.1
NZF is exclusively entitled to authorise the distribution of imaging and sound and other data
carriers of football matches and events coming under their respective jurisdiction, without any
restrictions as to content, time, place and technical and legal aspects.
74
International matches and competitions
74.1
The authority for organising international matches and competitions between representative
teams and between Leagues, Club teams and/or scratch teams lies solely with FIFA, the
Confederation(s) and/or the Association(s) concerned. No such match or competition shall take
place without the prior permission of FIFA, the Confederation(s) and/or the Association(s)
concerned in accordance with the FIFA Regulations Governing International Matches.
74.2
NZF is bound to comply with the international match calendar compiled by FIFA.
75
Contacts
75.1
NZF, its Members, Players, Officials and match and players’ agents shall not play matches or make
sporting contacts with Associations that are not members of FIFA or with provisional members of a
Confederation without the approval of FIFA.
76
Approval
76.1
Clubs, Leagues or any other group of Clubs that are affiliated to NZF may only join another
Association with the authorisation of NZF, the other Association, the respective Confederation(s)
and of FIFA.
76.2
Clubs, Leagues or any other group of Clubs that are affiliated to NZF cannot participate in
competitions on the territory of another Association without the authorisation of NZF, the other
Association(s), FIFA and the respective Confederation(s) according to the FIFA Regulations
Governing International Matches.
77
Enforcement
77.1
These Statutes and the Transitional Provisions were adopted at the Congress in Auckland on 28
September 2014 and will both come into force immediately upon completion of that Congress.
78
78.1
Winding Up
In the event of a winding up of NZF, none of its property shall be transferred to the Members of
NZF that are individuals, but all its property shall be divided between all of the Regional
Associations which are Members of NZF at the date of the happening of such event pro rata to the
average of the previous three years’ paid affiliation and membership subscription fees provided
that the Regional Associations must have objects similar to the objects of NZF and rules equivalent
to Statutes 4, 33.7, 39.6, and this Statute 78.
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SCHEDULE ONE
LOGO(S) OF NZF
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SCHEDULE TWO
AFFILIATED MEMBERS

All registered players, coaches or player coaches, referees and officials of Regional Associations and
Clubs (as at 28 September 2014 or after)

All life members of NZF (as at 28 September 2014 or after)

All honorary members of NZF (as at 28 September 2014)

The Officials of NZF, during their respective terms of office

The members of the Executive Committee, during their respective terms of office

The members of the judicial bodies of NZF, during their respective terms of office

All paid employees of NZF
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